Charlton Athletic new boy comes with glowing endorsement from Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs

Charlton have made Dylan Levitt their third signing of the transfer window – with the Manchester United midfielder arriving on a season-long loan.

The 19-year-old midfielder, capped at senior level by Wales for the first time on Friday, has been handed the number 23 shirt.

The Addicks were able to add a player to their squad after Tom Lockyer chose to activate a relegation release clause and joined Luton Town.

Levitt is set to make his debut in Saturday’s League One opener at Crewe.

Charlton manager Lee Bowyer said: “He doesn’t give the ball away, as a midfielder that is important. He keeps the ball at the right times and he has the vision to open up any defence.

“I spoke to Nicky Butt at Manchester United, he said: ‘He’s the best passer we have at the club’. If Nicky tells me that he can pass then I take his word for it.

“He’s another good addition to the squad, he’s a very good player. He’s got talent and he’s a Wales international. It just makes it more competitive for the players if you’re bringing in international players.”

Charlton have had success stories with Premier League loans with Krystian Bielik, Josh Cullen and Conor Gallagher all enhancing their reputations after spending time in SE7.

“Looking at it from the outside, it must be a good attraction to send their players here,” said Bowyer. “Krystian, Conor, Josh Cullen, then you’ve got players who have come through our academy that we’ve pushed on – Karlan [Grant], Joe Aribo, we’ve done really well with young players.

“They all improve and go back better – Manchester United will be no different to any other club, that’s what they want from us. The most important thing is we get him out on the training pitch and get him used to the players.”

Levitt became the 16th player to get his senior Wales bow under Old Trafford legend Ryan Giggs.

Asked about his move to Charlton, he said: “It’s a big club, even though we are in League One, it’s still a massive club, so it’s a pleasure to be here.

“I’ve spoken to Lee a few times now, he’s looking to be the best this season and get back into the Championship where Charlton belong.”

Charlton director of football Steve Gallen said: “We’re pleased to bring him in. Obviously there has been a bit of a gap since the last two signings – Conor [Washington] and Alex [Gilbey].

“We’d have liked to have brought someone in sooner but we’ve had some restrictions. We were hoping to do this a few weeks ago but because of the restrictions we had had to wait for one to leave but we’re pleased to get Dylan in.

“He’s very well respected at Manchester United and well respected by the Welsh squad.”

Giggs, who played 672 first-team matches for United and won 13 Premier League titles and two Champions League, has given Levitt big praise.

“He’s my kind of player – a good character, quiet but tough, and he’s one that I’ll be taking a big look at over the next year or so.

“I want him to develop and if he does and, if he plays more games, then he’ll definitely be in the reckoning. He’s a really intelligent player with a good range of passing and he stands out in training in every session.”